Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Sara Pedraza

Sara Pedraza is looking forward to sticking with basketball for years to come. The SunRidge Middle eighth-grader estimates she averages around 20 points per game and has her eyes set on a professional basketball career in the future. With her faith playing a prominent role in her life and on the court, Sara said she has an insatiable passion for the game. 

What sparked your interest in basketball?

My brother loved the game, and being the little sister, I just followed whatever he did. Whenever he’d go outside, I would just be like, “Can I come?” I always followed him around, and that’s how I got started. I’ve been playing for about four years.

What do you love about the game?

It just makes me so happy. It’s like a place of refuge for me. All the problems of the world — if I just go play basketball, I escape all my problems. It’s a passion for me.

Where do you hope basketball takes you?

Hopefully with a college scholarship, playing ball at a D1 school. If the Lord allows, I’m going to try to go professional and see if the pay gets better.

Which NBA team is your favorite?

I don’t really have a team, but I like Kyrie Irving because he has mad handles, and he’s a star but still underrated for how good he is.

What’s the team dynamic been like this season?

It was sort of hard to get started at the beginning of the season. The girls didn’t know anybody, and we were all new. But as the season went on, we kept getting closer, and the chemistry kept growing. When I’m on the court, I know where everyone’s going to be without even having to look.

Do you have a favorite movie?

Probably “God’s Not Dead,” because it’s so inspirational for me to show my faith. I can come here and outshine everyone, because the Lord shines through me. 

How does your faith play a role on the court?

I feel like without God, nothing I have in this life would be possible. He’s been such a big role in my life and has helped me through so many hard times. There have been times I wanted to quit basketball or punch holes through my walls, but the Lord just brought me out. Even if I’m the only one in the whole school who’s not afraid to show my faith, I’ll be that one person.

What is your favorite meal?

When we go to Mexico, my grandma makes some awesome tacos fritos — it’s like a fried chicken tortilla — and homemade guacamole. I can eat a billion.